Protecting personal data
Since the Data Protection Act was enacted ten years ago, advances in computing power have brought significant changes to the way personal information is stored and processed. While some of these changes have offered scope for improvements to service provision, there has been insufficient attention to the issues of consent and privacy in a changing technological landscape. In this regard, the Data Protection Act now appears very weak and does not serve the public well.
Given the formidable composition of this expert group, it is to be hoped that it will not focus only on ensuring compliance within the existing legal framework, but also advise on how data protection legislation can be strengthened in Scotland to increase protection and control of data for ordinary citizens.
(DR) GERAINT BEVAN
NO2ID Scotland
Grovepark Gardens
Glasgow